In order to land a dream position, you need not only a solid resume but also the ability to gracefully answer HR interview questions. We have compiled a list of some of the toughest HR interview questions, and we’ve provided expert advice to help you answer them. Continue reading to find out more.
The Importance of HR interview Questions
Popular HR interview questions
- Tell me about yourself
- What are your strengths?
- What was the last time you had a difficult experience at work?
HR Interview Questions for Freshers
1. Tell me about yourself.
To commence, I’d like to present myself along with my soft skills. I am optimistic and smart. I’m also self-confident, hardworking and have a good attitude. I am proficient in Java, C and HTML. I am also proficient in MS Excel, and Web technologies.
Dancing, Internet surfing, playing chess and listening to music are some of my interests. My mobile phone is my favorite way to read news stories.
2. What are your greatest strengths?
Answering this question should be based on your strongest points in relation to the position you are applying for. Imagine you’re applying for a job in customer service. You might then say that you have excellent problem-solving and customer service skills as well as the ability to remain calm under pressure.
Sample AnswerI am a very organized, efficient and systematic person. I love my job and excel at it.
3. Why do you want this job?
Do your research before the interview. Discuss how your experience and skills make you a good candidate for the position.
Sample AnswerIt is an honor to be able to work at a company that has been around for so long. When I looked into the job you are offering, I found that my skills matched your needs. By taking this job, I will be able to showcase my technical abilities and help the company develop.
4. What do you want to be doing in 5 years’ time?
It is a common question asked during job interviews. This question is asked to determine if your goals are in line with those of the company. You can use it to measure your ambition and dedication.
Sample AnswerI would love to learn as much as possible in the next five years through both the internal and external training programs offered by the company. My career goal is to become a Tech Architect. I’m looking forward to developing products that reflect the company’s mission and make a positive contribution to society while accelerating my career path as a Tech Architect.
5. Would you be willing to work odd or overtime hours?
Answering this question must be done with honesty. You should not lie or compromise your integrity to obtain the job. You could say:
Sample AnswerI am happy because I know that extra efforts will help the company grow. If I can contribute to the company in some way, I will.
HR Interview Questions for Experience
1. Why did you quit your previous job?
Answer this question with caution. You should not blame employers for their mistakes by stating “Salary less or poor management.” You can instead say:
Sample Answer
This is a career shift. I have gained a lot from my previous job. Now I want to gain new skills and expand my perspective.
2. What are your strategies for dealing with stress, anxiety, and pressure?
This is a very common question asked in interviews to assess your ability to perform under stress and pressure.
Sample Answer
When under pressure or stress, I use my soft skills to handle each situation calmly. To deal with pressure and stress at work, I do physical exercises and relax my mind by doing activities such as meditation.
3. What makes you stand out from the other candidates?
Answer this question by highlighting your qualities and strengths. Discuss the qualities that set you apart from other candidates. You should not be afraid to boast a bit. After all, you are trying to convince the interviewer you are the best.
Sample Answer
Distinguishing myself from other candidates, I bring several unique qualities. My extensive experience as a project manager spans various teams. Additionally, my exceptional communication skills facilitate strong connections with both colleagues and clients. Last but not least, I am always eager to learn new things and take on new challenges.
4. When was the last time you weren’t satisfied with your performance or work?
This question can be asked for a variety of reasons. Interviewers may ask this question to see if you are able to improve on your weaknesses by taking feedback. You may be asked if you are able to admit mistakes and explain how you handled the situation.
Sample Answer
My performance as a project leader left me dissatisfied; the deadline was not met. Feeling like I had disappointed my team, I learned the significance of team communication and setting achievable goals.
5. Tell me about an experience you had at work when working on a particular project.
Interviewers want to know what you do in difficult situations. The interviewer is looking for a pattern in your behavior. They want to hear about a difficult project you faced. The interviewer will want to know how you handled the situation and what lessons you learned.
Sample Answer
The website redevelopment was the most challenging project I have ever worked on. The client was very detailed and specific in their requirements and kept changing his mind. It was difficult to keep track of the project because it required a lot more reworking. The client was satisfied with the final result, but the experience was stressful.
What to remember during an HR interview
Remember that an interview with HR is an opportunity to get to know you better, and also for you to find out more about the company. There are some things that you should remember during the interview.
- Respect: Show professionalism and courtesy to all those you meet during the interview.
- Dress professionally: Look professional. Dressing casually is not recommended. Also, make sure your clothes are neat and tidy.
- During the HR interview, recruiters are going to try to test you on your attitude. They will be testing your flexibility, your honesty, your desire to learn more, and your diligence. Make sure you show a positive attitude in the interview.
- Remember to keep your answers concise and precise. Answer questions in a concise manner.
- Asking the interviewer to clarify a question if you do not understand it is better than giving a wrong answer.
Additional HR Questions
1. What should I do to prepare for an HR interview?
To prepare for your interview with HR, you should:
- Do your research on the company that you will be interviewing with
- If possible, research the person who is interviewing you.
- Understand the job description.
- Prepare yourself to answer any questions about your CV
- Speak clearly and emphasize everything you do well.
2. How do I pass HR interview questions?
It’s not difficult to pass an HR interview. Here are some tips on how to pass your HR interview.
- Research the company and its job profile. Also, research the roles and responsibilities for the position.
- Dress appropriately for your interview as first impressions matter
- You should review and summarize all the key points in your resume.
- Your achievements and wins are important.
- Highlight your qualifications for the job.
These points will help you pass the HR interview questions.
3. What questions are asked during an interview with a HR representative?
A human resources professional conducts the HR round at the beginning of the hiring process. It is a preliminary screening to determine if you are qualified for the position. The HR interview will include questions about your previous roles, core competencies, qualifications, weaknesses, and salary expectations.
4. What are some tricky interview questions to avoid?
Tricky questions can be open-ended and help others understand your approach to a situation.
Here are some tricky interview questions.
- What are your weaknesses?
- Why would you like to work with us?
- What do you want to be doing in five years’ time?
- Why do you want to leave your current employer?
- Why do you have a gap on your resume?
- Tell me about an instance when you made a wrong decision.
- What do you have to offer that the other candidates don’t?
5. What are your weak points?
It is not easy to answer, but you can highlight your strengths without sounding negative. You can answer this question by choosing a skill which isn’t relevant to the job you are applying for, and then highlighting how you have addressed this weakness. Impatience, multitasking and procrastination are the most common weaknesses that people use.
6. What are the five hardest interview questions to answer?
The 5 toughest questions in an interview with a HR representative are:
- Tell me about yourself
- Tell me about an instance when you made a bad decision and how you handled it
- How did you handle a difficult co-worker?
- Why do you want to leave your current position?
- Why are you interested in this position?
7. What are some tricky interview questions to avoid?
Tricky questions in an interview are designed to stump you or make you think before answering. These questions are often asked to gather information about an applicant, such as their communication skills, soft-skills, ability to work well with others, or how they handle stress and conflict. One of the trickiest questions is “What are your weaknesses?” You can’t get it wrong if you don’t know the answer.
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Conclusion
This article contains a list with the most common HR interview questions. You can prepare for the questions and be confident in your interview. Best wishes from Simplilearn for your upcoming interview!
